Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Systems

OTEC systems use the ocean's natural thermal gradientâ€”the fact that the ocean's layers of water have different temperaturesâ€”to drive a power-producing cycle.Â In deep tropical waters ocean surf...

OTEC systems use the ocean's natural thermal gradientâ€”the fact that the ocean's layers of water have different temperaturesâ€”to drive a power-producing cycle.Â In deep tropical waters ocean surface temperature can be as high as 27 â„ƒ; and at depths as close as 1000 ft below the surface, temperature can be as low as 4 â„ƒ.

OTEC system

There are three types of electricity conversion systems: closed-cycle, open-cycle, and hybrid.Â

Closed-cycle systems use the ocean's warm surface water to vaporize a working fluid, which has a low-boiling point, such as ammonia.